When the Boat Comes In

Arthur tells Jessie that they are relocating to Kent, signalling a move for the whole family. At the same time, Sir Horatio deceives Jack and refuses to pay him for his services. The production is a drama featuring James Bolam.

The broadcast titled My Bonnie Lass, Goodbye is presented as an episode‑length programme. It falls squarely within the drama genre, offering a concise, self‑contained story rather than a full series. The format is that of a single instalment, designed to deliver its narrative in one sitting, and the title itself hints at a farewell theme. In the core of the episode, Arthur breaks the news to Jessie that they will be relocating to Kent, a move that reshapes their immediate future, catching her off guard. Meanwhile, Sir Horatio engages in a scheme against Jack, deliberately misleading him and then refusing to honour any payment that had been expected, leaving Jack short‑changed. The piece is headlined by James Bolam, whose involvement is highlighted in the promotional material. His presence anchors the drama, linking the various plot strands together, and his performance is central to the episode’s focus, providing continuity across the scenes. The casting note underscores his role within the unfolding events, signalling his importance to the story’s progression. The episode weaves together the two distinct threads – the personal upheaval of Arthur and Jessie’s move and the financial deceit perpetrated by Sir Horatio against Jack. By juxtaposing these situations, the drama creates a snapshot of conflict and resolution within its limited runtime, delivering a compact yet complete narrative, and the compact structure ensures each conflict reaches a conclusion before the episode ends.